Fri Oct 11 18:54:32 IST 2024: ## UP Government’s Actions on Jayaprakash Narayan’s Birth Anniversary Draw Criticism
**Lucknow:** The birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) in Uttar Pradesh has turned into a political spectacle for the past two years, with the state government’s actions unintentionally making Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav the hero of the day.
The government’s decision to cordon off the Jayaprakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) with tin sheets on the eve of JP’s birth anniversary on October 10th to prevent Akhilesh Yadav from paying homage at the statue has backfired. Akhilesh Yadav, in protest, posted videos of his attempts to visit the center on social media, further amplifying the controversy.
On the 11th of October, Akhilesh Yadav was effectively confined to his residence, yet he insisted on celebrating JP’s birthday. After protests by SP workers, the Uttar Pradesh Police brought a statue of JP to Yadav’s doorstep, allowing him to perform the ritual with his supporters. This unprecedented move by the government has been widely ridiculed, highlighting the state’s blatant attempt to stifle political opposition.
This incident has also brought to light the BJP’s selective appropriation of historical figures. While the party lauds figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Narasimha Rao, their actions towards Jayaprakash Narayan, a leading figure in the fight against Indira Gandhi’s Emergency, seem contradictory.
The government’s decision to halt construction of the JPNIC, begun in 2012 during the SP government, despite allocating Rs. 860 crores, is also facing criticism. The building, currently in a dilapidated state, stands as a testament to the government’s neglect and alleged attempts to sell the property. While the government claims to be investigating alleged corruption, the lack of action and delay in the investigation raises concerns about transparency.
The government’s actions, instead of honoring JP’s legacy, have provided Akhilesh Yadav with a political platform. Experts argue that the government could have used this opportunity to celebrate JP’s legacy with a grander event, thus diminishing the impact of Akhilesh Yadav’s presence. However, the current situation has further highlighted the political differences between the SP and BJP and the government’s perceived attempt to manipulate events for political gain.
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